JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2024 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2024 Cultural Article Exciting Mountain Trips in Japan by Haruhiko Koyama When you think of Japan, what images come to mind? Perhaps the towering skyscrapers and neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the pop culture of manga and anime, or the historic temples and traditional atmosphere of Kyoto. However, I'd like to introduce you to a different, equally fascinating side of Japan—its mountainous regions. Japan is a country where nearly 60% of the land is covered by mountains. These mountain ranges stretch like a backbone across the country, dividing the Pacific Ocean side from the Sea of Japan side. This division contributes to the diverse climates and unique lifestyles across these regions. One of the best ways to enjoy Japan's mountains is through outdoor activities, with hiking being my personal favorite. There are many well-maintained trails in Japan's mountainous regions, offering something for everyone—from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, depending on your stamina and preferences. While you might be familiar with Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest peak at 3,776 meters, I'd like to share some of the other amazing mountain areas in Japan that are worth exploring. Mt. Kitadake (3,193m) The second highest mountain in Japan, Kitadake is a towering peak in the southern section of the "Japanese Alps." From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Japan's most iconic mountains, including Mt. Fuji. Climbing Mt. Fuji is a great experience, but I believe the best way to enjoy it is by admiring its beautiful shape from a distance. And Mt. Kitadake is one of the best places to get the most spectacular views of Mt. Fuji! Mt. Kitadake is also famous for its abundant alpine flora, including the rare and endangered Kitadake-so, a flower that blooms shortly after the snow melts, from late June to early July. Kitadakesou, a rare alpine flower by keiichiro shikano is licensed under CC BY 2.0 A recommended itinerary is a 2-day, 1-night trip staying in a mountain hut. Starting from Hirogawara (1,510m), the trailhead can be reached by a combination of train, bus, or taxi from Tokyo. There are two mountain huts, Shiraneoike-koya (2,200m) and Katano-koya (3,000m), on the way to the summit, where you can choose to stay depending on your departure time and preferences. Personally, I’d like to stay at Katano-koya the next time I visit. It’s located about 50 minutes from the summit, at an elevation of 3,000 meters, where you'll be treated to fantastic mountain views. The hut was renovated in 2022, offering a more comfortable stay. Unfortunately, it seems that reservations can only be made by phone, and online bookings are not available. 北岳肩の小屋 by Kirill Skorobogatov is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 The typical season for hiking is from late June to late October. If you want to avoid snow, plan your hike from late July onward. The fall foliage from mid to late September is also enjoyable. Jomon-sugi Cedar in Yakushima Island Yakushima is an island located in the southwestern part of Japan. Despite being an island, it boasts peaks that nearly reach 2,000 meters in elevation. The island's abundant rainfall creates a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. The ancient cedar trees, some of which are believed to be thousands of years old, are a must-see. Yakushima by Takeshi Kuboki is licensed under CC BY 2.0 In addition to hiking, you can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fishing, and diving on Yakushima. I recommend staying for at least three to four days on this island to fully experience everything it has to offer. _DSC5503.jpg by Motohiro Sunouchi is licensed under CC BY 2.0 I believe the highlight of Yakushima is hiking to see the Jomon-sugi Cedar, a giant cedar tree believed to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old. The awe-inspiring presence of this tree will make you reflect on the countless years it has endured. The hike to Jomon-sugi Cedar is a full-day adventure, with a round trip of about 20 kilometers and an elevation gain of 700 meters. It is not an easy hike, but if you are an experienced hiker, it is well worth the effort. big old tree by 8 og is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Image taken by author (Haruhiko Koyama) The good time to visit Yakushima for hiking is from March to November. Since Yakushima is known for its heavy rainfall, be sure to bring waterproof gear. In recent years, adventure travel destinations in Japan, such as Mt. Fuji, the Nakasendo, the Kumano Kodo—Japan’s ancient pilgrimage network—and the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, have gained recognition among international travelers. I hope this article inspires you to explore other equally fascinating mountainous regions in Japan. Sources Japan Institute of Country-ology and Engineering https://www.jice.or.jp/knowledge/japan/commentary07 Hikes in Japan Mt. Kitadake Loop from Hirogawara https://hikesinjapan.yamakei-online.com/course/49.php Jomon Sugi Round Trip from the Arakawa Trailhead https://hikesinjapan.yamakei-online.com/course/137.php AllTrails Mount Kitadake - Hirogawara https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/japan/yamanashi/mount-kitadake-hirogawara Jomon Sugi Cedar Trail https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/japan/kagoshima--2/jomon-sugi-cedar-trail Yamakei Online https://www.yamakei-online.com/yamanavi/yama.php?yama_id=592 Shiraneoike-koya https://shiraneoike.ashiyasu.com/ Katano-koya https://katanokoya.com/ Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center https://www.env.go.jp/en/park/yakushima/ywhcc/ecotour/jyoumon_e.html World Natural Heritage in Japan https://world-natural-heritage.jp/en/yakushima/

JITTI Journal Cultural Article May 2018 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2018 Cultural Article Miyajima by Ryoki Toku Do you know the three most famous spots in Japan, called "Nihonsankei" ? They are Matsushima in Miyagi, Amanohashidate in Kyoto, and Miyajima in Hiroshima. For this article, I would like to talk about Miyajima. Miyajima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea, just in front of Hiroshima. It is said that Miyajima has been the object of nature worship from the time immemorial. The Ituskushima shrine, built in 12 century, is one of the symbols of Miyajima. The most recognizable characteristic of Itsukushima shrine is that it was built on the sea. You can walk to the big shrine gate which stand on the off-island side when the tide is low and, during high tide, the surface of the sea reaches just under the floor of shrine. The Itsukushima shrine took the Shindentsukuri style, and it is said that the aristocracy house of the Heian-era was its motif. The Itsukushima shrine and the surrounding area have been designated as a world cultural heritage site. The shrine uses the Seto Inland Sea and makes it resemble a pond, and the dynamic view is a must see. If you have a chance, while traveling in Japan, why don't you add Miyajima to your list of travel destinations, as it's one of the most famous sites in the country?

JITTI Journal January 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals January 2020 Feature Article Japan's Policy on Unmanned Aircraft Systems by Shinichi Yamada 1. INTRODUCTION  Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), such as drones, are used in various fields including aerial photography, pesticide dispersion, and inspection of infrastructure, and they are expected to be utilized even more in the future. On the other hand, concern about operational safety has been rising. This article introduces efforts and policies that have been implemented to ensure the safe operation of UAS in Japan. 2. CURRENT REGULATION The Civil Aeronautics Law (CAL) defines “UAS” as any airplane, rotorcraft, glider or airship which cannot accommodate any person on board and can be remotely or automatically piloted (excluding those lighter than 200 grams (about 0.44 pounds). The weight of a UAS includes that of its battery.). It requires any person who intends to operate a UAŞ in the following airspaces to obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan to ensure the safety of manned aircraft and persons and/or properties on the surface of the ground or water. Airspace that is over 150 meters (about 490 feet) above the surface of ground or water. Airspace around airports. (Specifically, airspaces above the approach, horizontal, transitional, extended approach, conical, and outer horizontal surfaces) Airspace above Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) defined and published by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications. (Those areas where population density is larger than 4,000 people per square kilometer (about 10,360 people per square mile) are defined as DID in general.) The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in various fields has grown, including in agriculture and pesticide distribution. It also requires all of the UAS operators to follow the operational conditions listed below, unless approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. Operation of UAS are to be in the daytime. Operation of UAS must only be conducted within Visual Lines of Sight (VLOS). 30 meters (about 98 feet) of operational distance between UA and persons and properties on the surface of the ground or water must be maintained. Do not operate UAS over event sites where many people gather. Do not transport hazardous materials such as explosives by UAS. Do not drop any objects from UAS  In addition to the CAL, legislation has also been put in place to prevent dangerous UAS from approaching important facilities in the country by air. An aerial photo by UAS of this concert would not be permissible in Japan, as they are not allowed to be flown at night or over places where people gather. 3. POLICY FOR THE EXPANDED OPERATION OF UAS The Japanese government has created a roadmap and made efforts to expand the use of UAS in public-private partnerships. According to the roadmap, the goal is to operate UAS beyond VLOS in uninhabited areas, such as remote islands and mountainous areas, by FY 2022, and later to operate UAS beyond VLOS in DID. There are various issues to consider to bring about such flights. Therefore, the following four working groups have been established, and many stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia, are involved. WG1: UAS/Owner Registration WG2: Ensuring UAS Safety WG3: Skill Assurances of Remote Pilots and Flight Dispatchers WG4: UAS Traffic Management System (UTMS) As part of these efforts, an amendment of CAL will be submitted to the regular Diet in 2020 that requires the registration of UAS in FY 2021. Under the new system, information such as the names of owners, users, aircrafts, phone numbers, etc. must be registered online. When registration is completed, UAS IDs can be acquired, and the UAS ID has to be marked on the UAS itself. Any unregistered flight will be fined. The policy for UAS requires that regulatory studies by the government and technology development by manufacturers and academic institutions be carried out simultaneously. While looking to US and European UAS systems as models, it is expected that regulations will be expanded to enable further use of UAS in Japan.

JITI 2010 High Speed Rail Seminar Mobilizing a New Generation January 21, 2010 The St. Regis Hotel 923 16th and K Streets, NW Washington, DC PRESENTED BY: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan Institute for Transportation Policy Studies (ITPS), Japan Japan International Transport Institute (JITI) Seminar Overview In 2009, as part of the stimulus package, President Obama dedicated eight billion dollars to help turn the U.S. vision of high speed rail (HSR) into reality. HSR is proven to be an effective, energy-efficient way to move large numbers of people quickly over long distances. In addition, HSR can reduce travel times, highway and airport congestion,and pollution ― all while creating tens of thousands of jobs. “High speed rail is a smart transportation system equal to the needs of the 21st Century” President Obama, April 2009 Sharing Expertise With nearly 50 years of experience, HSR is well established in Japan, and is a way of life for many. Leaders in the Japanese transportation industry and government will share valuable insights about HSR in this half day seminar. Topics include how a HSR system fits into an American context, the economic and environmental benefits, as well as some specific concepts for introducing HSR systems to the U.S. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of America's new era in transportation. Opening Remarks Sumio Mabuchi Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Bio Jiro Hanyu President, ITPS Bio Guest Speakers Secretary Ray LaHood U.S. Department of Transportation Bio Congressman James L. Oberstar Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bio Congressman John L. Mica Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bio Congresswoman Corrine Brown Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Bio Secretary Eugene A. Conti, Jr. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Rail Transportation, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bio Arthur L. Guzzetti Vice President - Policy, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bio Presentations Lee Schipper Project Scientist, Global Metropolitan Studies, University of California, Berkeley Bio Yuki Tanaka Director, International Affairs Office, JITI Bio Presentation Akira Yonezawa Deputy Director-General for Engineering Affairs, Railway Bureau, MLIT Satoshi Seino President and CEO, East Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Tsutomu Morimura Senior Executive Director and Director General of the General Technology Division, Central Japan Railway Company Bio Presentation Masashi Ishizuka Associate Officer and General Manager, Project Management Division, Rolling Stock Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Bio Presentation Panel Discussion Louis S. Thompson Principal, Thompson, Galenson and Associates (Moderator) Bio Remarks Secretary Eugene A. Conti, Jr. NCDOT, AASHTO Arthur L. Guzzetti APTA Manmohan Parkash Principal Transport Specialist, Asian Development Bank Bio Closing Remarks Makoto Washizu President, JITI Bio Presentation

Strengthening Aviation Safety through SSP Strengthening Aviation Safety through SSP by Hiroki Sakamoto Ensuring safety is a central and fundamental issue in the civil aviation sector. While passenger deaths aboard specific Japanese air carriers have not occurred since 1986, efforts are being made to reinforce the safety management system adopted by airline companies and preventive safety measures are being promoted to appropriately deal with safety-related issues. For example, preliminary reviews are done upon the launch or expansion of domestic airline companies and strict (including unannounced) and systematic on-site safety inspections are properly conducted. Also, due to the increase of foreign airlines following the promotion of the open sky policy, monitoring of foreign airlines entering Japan has been strengthened with on-site safety inspections and other measures. Since April 2014, the Civil Aviation Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (or JCAB) has been implementing the "State Safety Program (SSP)", as the basic principle of aviation safety policy. It sets forth targets for civil aviation safety and measures to be taken for their attainment, in accordance with the Annex 19 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The fundamental structure of SSP is a clear division between Regulator (R) and Provider (P: such as airline companies, airport operators and air traffic control), with the Regulator (R) providing and enforcing safety oversight of the Provider (P). (Figure) Structure of the State Safety Program (SSP) In FY2015, JCAB formulated "Medium-term policies for the administration of aviation safety," which outlines the policies and measures for the next five years. In FY2016, direction for further safety measures related to small aircraft was added in light of the frequent occurrence of accidents involving private, small aircraft in recent years. SSP features three new measures: Safety Target, Voluntary Reporting System, and Analysis of Safety Information. 1) Safety Target In order to secure SSP as an effective tool to strengthen aviation safety, JCAB creates a "SSP implementation plan" every year. Regarding this plan, JCAB ① sets the safety target of the Japanese Government (once a year), ② implements specific policies to achieve the safety target with coordination between airline companies, airport operators and air traffic control, and ③ measures and evaluates the level of achievement of the safety target. 2) Voluntary Reporting System "The Voluntary Information Contributory to Enhancement of the Safety (VOICES) program" has been operating since July 2014 in order to collect more detailed near-miss information relating to aviation safety that is not subject to the mandatory reporting system, and to harness such information for safety improvements. Recommendations such as improving airport operations have been obtained through this program. While dissemination activities have been yielding results and more reports were issued in FY2016 than in the preceding year, attempts will be made to further use the system through continued work to highlight the importance of safety information. Efforts will also be made to improve safety by making use of obtained recommendations. 3) Analysis of Safety Information JCAB created three committees (airline companies, airport operators and air traffic control) comprised of scholars and experts. They hold meetings regularly to evaluate and analyze safety information from not only mandatory but also voluntary reporting system, compile and summarize information and publicize this information to share it. They are utilized to create preventative measures for both the Regulator (R) and Provider (P) in civil aviation. Strengthening safety measures is the top priority in the civil aviation sector. Continuous and effective efforts of both the Regulator (R) and Provider (P) through SSP are key in order to establish safe and secure air transport systems. Back to All JITTI Journals September 2018 Feature Article

As vaccination rates increase in the United States and globally, discussion regarding introducing vaccine passports has taken full swing. With sensitivity towards worries over discrimination and other controversies, governments, private companies, and others have begun taking aim at what a vaccine passport might look like, and have made some progress in making them more wide-spread. < Back Tourism & More Vaccine Passport Trends By Tetsuhiro Nakagawa & Daisuke Takagi As vaccination rates increase in the United States and globally, discussion regarding introducing vaccine passports has taken full swing. With sensitivity towards worries over discrimination and other controversies, governments, private companies, and others have begun taking aim at what a vaccine passport might look like, and have made some progress in making them more wide-spread. Download the Report

A Historic Moment: The Blossoming of Japan-US Coast Guard Academic Collaboration A Significant First Step in Collaboration for Both Academies (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) A Historic Moment: The Blossoming of Japan-US Coast Guard Academic Collaboration By Daisuke Komatsu On April 21st this year, under a crystal-clear sky in New London, Connecticut, a historic moment unfolded at the United States Coast Guard Academy. The Japan Coast Guard Academy and the US Coast Guard Academy, striving to further enhance their educational programs, signed a landmark agreement on academic cooperation - a first for both institutions with an overseas academy. The Japan-US Coast Guards have led coast guards worldwide and, based on the memoranda of cooperation signed in 2010 and the MOC’s ANNEX in 2022, have strengthened their trust by collaborating in various areas, including high-level meetings, joint exercises, and capacity building support for the Philippine Coast Guard. The signing of this document of cooperation between the two educational and training institutions, as part of the Japan-US joint initiative "SAPPHIRE" based on the 2022 ANNEX, reaffirms the significance of cadets’ cooperation including international student conferences and cadet exchanges through training vessel visits. It aims to further enhance academy education by focusing on academic exchange, joint research, and the establishment of mutual exchange programs. The Signing Took Place in a Solemn Atmosphere (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) The signing ceremony took place in a serene atmosphere at the Hamilton Hall of the US Coast Guard Academy, attended by Rear Admiral William G. Kelly, Superintendent of the US Coast Guard Academy, and Rear Admiral Upper half Mitsuru Eguchi, Superintendent of the Japan Coast Guard Academy. Rear Admiral Kelly emphasized the significance of the agreement, which further strengthens the historic relationship between the two academies, and expressed his commitment to developing the long-standing friendship with the Japan Coast Guard Academy and enhancing their educational training. Rear Admiral Upper half Eguchi touched on the history of exchanges between the two academies and expressed his conviction that academic exchanges will strengthen their relationship even further through student interactions. Additionally, he proposed that the Japan-US educational institutions should become two range lights, cooperating to advance maritime law enforcement education and training in the Indo- Pacific region. Group Photo of the Representatives from Both Academies (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) The Japan Coast Guard Academy was established over 70 years ago, and the US Coast Guard Academy nearly 150 years. This was the first time for each academy to sign an agreement on cooperation with an overseas academy. This historic document exchange highlights the need for collaboration between educational and training institutions, which are the foundation for human resource development, in addition to cooperation at Headquarter and operational levels amidst challenging maritime security environments. Furthermore, maritime security research spans a wide range of areas, including maritime security, international law, search and rescue techniques, and environmental conservation. The academic exchange between faculty members is expected to lead to more advanced research in coast guard operations, which is still in development. The signing of this cooperation document contributes to building a solid foundation for nurturing the next generation of leaders, as both countries' maritime security agencies work together to improve maritime security. Through the collaboration of both academies, research and education in the maritime security field will progress, and international cooperation between the two agencies will deepen, leading to enhanced maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The author hopes that the strengthened cooperation between Japan and the US maritime security agencies will pave the way to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. A Regimental Review by USCGA Cadets for the Superintendent of JCGA Was Also Held in Conjunction with the Signing Ceremony (Photo by USCGA, provided by JCGA) Back to All JITTI Journals May 2023 Feature Article

Read about the 2035 plan for the busy section of railroad between Washington D.C. and Boston known as The Northeast Corridor. By investing $117 billion, the plan aims to add transportation services to new regions, increase the number of transportation units, and shorten travel time by 2035 < Back Surface Transportation Overview of the CONNECT NEC (Northeast Corridor) 2035 Outline By Akito Okabe Read about the 2035 plan for the busy section of railroad between Washington D.C. and Boston known as The Northeast Corridor. By investing $117 billion, the plan aims to add transportation services to new regions, increase the number of transportation units, and shorten travel time by 2035 Download the Report

Mandatory Registration of Unmanned Aircraft in Japan Mandatory Registration of Unmanned Aircraft in Japan by Yoshihiro Fujimaki 1. Background and Overview One of the major problems currently occurring with inappropriate flights by Unmanned Aircraft (UA) is that the aircraft cannot be identified and so appropriate and necessary safety measures cannot be taken against the owner of the UA when needed. In addition, because the use of UAs has been on the rise due to such factors as the growing shortage of personnel in the logistics and security industries, the increasing demand for survey and investigation flights over wide areas, and the creation of business models that utilize UAs in remote island and depopulated mountainous regions, it is becoming extremely important to know who is the owner of each UA. Based on the above circumstances, like other countries, registration of UAs will be mandatory in Japan from June 20, 2022. This is based on an amendment of the Civil Aviation Act, and the bill was approved by the National Diet of Japan in June 2020.  From June 20, 2022, most UAs will have to be marked with a registration ID to identify them, and also be fitted with a remote ID function. UAs which will be excluded from these requirements are limited to those weighing less than 100 grams. Meanwhile, UAs which weigh equal to or less than 0.55 pound (about 250 grams) are excluded from similar requirements in the United States. This point is one major item that is different between the US and Japan and is not to be overlooked. Image Source: Handbook for Unmanned Aircraft Registration published by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau 2. How to Register The application for registration can be done online or by submitting necessary physical documents. It is required to enter/complete the information such as the name and address of the owner and the user of the UA, as well as the manufacturer and model of the UA in the application. Even if a UA has been registered in a foreign country, that UA has to be registered based on the Civil Aviation Act for it to be flown in Japan. The registration of the UA is subject to strict identification of the owner. This process can be done online or by postal mail. In the case that the owner is an individual resident of Japan, an individual number card, Japanese driver’s license or Japanese passport is required for online identity verification. In the case that the owner is a foreign individual who does not have a residence in Japan, a copy of the passport of the owner plus a copy of a document issued by a public institution that verifies the name, address, and date of birth of the owner are required to be sent by postal mail. The identity verification process may take 1-5 days after the documents arrive. Once the identity verification has been completed, information for fee payment is notified by email. The registration fee varies by application method, and is between 900 Japanese Yen (about 8 US dollars) and 2,400 Japanese Yen (about 20 US dollars). In 1-5 days after the fee payment, the registration ID will be issued to the UA. This registration ID must be clearly visible on the UA with marker and stickers, with the marking font being at least 3mm in the case of aircraft weighing less than 25 kg. The registration ID also has to be registered to remote ID equipment using a dedicated smartphone application. Please refer to the next section about the remote ID.Registration of the UA is valid for 3 years, therefore re-registration is required every 3 years. Image Source: the website of Drone/UAS Information Platform System (DIPS) 3. Remote ID Remote ID (RID) is a function that transmits identification information remotely via radio waves. A UA must be equipped with this RID function to fly, except for special cases such as flying over specific areas which are notified in advance to the government and with necessary safety measures taken. In Japan, similarly to the US, RID equipment is classified into a built-in type or an external (attached) type. But, while there are some differences of information between the built-in type (Standard RID) and external type (RID Broadcast Module) in the US, information from both types of RID equipment is the same in Japan. That information includes the registration ID and serial number of the UA, and dynamic information such as location, speed, altitude and time more than once per second, but does not include information about the owner or user. Information from RID equipment can be received by anyone using an appropriate smartphone or receiver. Law enforcement officers can trace the information of the owner and the user of the UA based on received information of its registration ID. 4. Special Reminder to Tourists Who Plan to Fly UAs in Japan As described in section 2, even if a UA has been registered in a foreign country, that UA has to be registered based on the Civil Aviation Act for it to be flown in Japan. The registration process may take more than 1 week, therefore that period should be taken into account. Also, using radio equipment which does not have the Japanese Technical Conformity Mark may be regarded as illegal to use in Japan, even if that equipment is based on a foreign standard. In addition, there are several flight rules to be followed. Please refer the JCAB website for details. Japanese Technical Conformity Mark for radio equipment JCAB website Image Resources: Handbook for Unmanned Aircraft Registration published by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Drone/UAS Information Platform System (DIPS) JCAB website Back to All JITTI Journals May 2022 Feature Article

JITTI Journal May 2019 Back to All JITTI Journals May 2019 Feature Article The Japan Coast Guard’s New Challenge for Global Cooperation Among Coast Guard Agencies/ Functions by Yasuhiro Okamoto The Japan Coast Guard (herein after called “JCG”) has supported various countries’ coast guard organizations with their capacity enhancement since 1969, aiding over 81 countries and 3 regions. In addition, JCG has also played an important role in the establishment of the international cooperation framework in the region to facilitate further cooperation among coast guard agencies in Asia and the North Pacific. In this article, I would like to introduce JCG’s new challenge in creating an international framework for the Coast Guard Global Summit. The 1st Coast Guard Global Summit (hereinafter called as “CGGS”) was held in September 2017 and was co-hosted by the Nippon Foundation. The aim of this meeting was to enhance dialogue and cooperation beyond the existing regional framework, and to focus the experience and knowledge of the participants to resolve common issues that every country had faced. Although it was the inaugural meeting, representatives from 34 countries, 1 regional, and 3 international organizations visited Japan to attend. In this meeting there was recognition of the rarity for coast guard’s to gather and discuss the creation of global frameworks, the importance of doing so, and of the necessity to consider human resource development systems and the best forms of inter-regional and international cooperation. With continued interest by participants to further facilitate global cooperation among coast guard agencies, the 1st working level meeting of CGGS took place in November 2018 with the participation of 66 countries and international/ regional organizations. In this working level meeting, the following three agenda points were mainly discussed: Meeting guidelines for smooth future meetings Global human resource development Information sharing According to the meeting summary of the CGGS working level meeting, during the discussion on global human resource development, various advanced and unique programs were shared. Furthermore, there was broad support when JCG proposed to form the voluntary core member group for intensive study and discussion of this matter. It has already been decided that the 2nd CGGS will be held in Tokyo in November 2019. JCG’s new challenge has just started, and it’s not difficult to imagine that they will have additional obstacles that will need to be solved. For example, in comparison with their past cooperative activities, the JCG is unexperienced with organizing an international meeting of this size, with an increase in the number of participation confirmed as compared to the last two meetings. To plan and execute such an enormous event on a regular basis also must create budgetary and operational issues. Furthermore, there is the obvious struggle for JCG to convince participating agencies of the necessity of a global framework. As for the meeting agenda, it seems that human resource development will be a key topic. Unlike other regional cooperation frameworks, a global framework would require consideration of each regions unique issues and/or features. The first challenge for agencies from different regions is to try and cooperate for a unified goal, and to clarify ways to develop human resources in each region. I would like to closely observe the activities, discussion, and results of the 2nd CGGS to know the answer to this question, and I really hope this framework will bring great benefits to coast guard activities across the entire world. Image courtesy of the Japan Coast Guard

JITTI Journal Cultural Article September 2020 Back to All JITTI Journals September 2020 Cultural Article The Hakata Dontaku Festival: An Introduction of One of Japan’s Local Festivals by Yasuhiro Okamoto Have you experienced Japanese traditional festivals?? Even though Japan is a not a big country, each region has unique traditions and cultures, and all those cultural elements are reflected in their local festivals. Today, I would like to introduce my hometown’s festival, which is named “Hakata Dontaku Festival.” In Hakata, the Dontaku Festival has been celebrated for more than 800 years during a period of time called “Golden Week,” where we have consecutive holidays in early summer. Every year, around two million people gather in the city to observe this festival. Exploring the origins of this festival, it is said that “Matsubayashi,” which was started in 1179 (Heian era), was the source of the Hakata Dontaku Festival. During that period, people greeted their local lord when cerebrating the new year with a parade, and this became the present “Hakata Dontaku Festival.” At that time, Japan had a class system, and it was an opportunity for interaction between warriors (Samurai) and merchants. Once, this festival was even banned in the Meiji Era because of its extravagancy, but the people changed its name and tried to continue holding it. The word Dontaku comes from the word Zondag, a Dutch word that means both "Sunday" and "holiday". ( IMG_2734 by koemu is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) The use of Shamoji in the festival invokes the image of people eagerly leaving their homes in hurry (and thus still holding their spoons) to participate in the merriment. The festival was cancelled for the first time this year since 1962, except for instances of bad weather, due to the coronavirus pandemic. In general, the festival is held from May 3rd to May 4th, and consists of the aforementioned traditional “Matsubayashi” parade, which has a mix of modern and traditional parade elements. In total, more than 230 groups and 22,000 performers join this festival, and the teams with outstanding performances are praised. One of the unique features of this parade is that people dance while clapping two rice scooping spoons (Shamoji) along to the music of “Shamisen” (Japanese traditional guitar). You can see the parade from the street, and there are more than 30 stages in the city center, so you can also buy a ticket and enjoy performances from a seat. At the climax of this festival, everybody, including observers and tourists, join the dance and play together. “Hakata Dontaku Festival” is one of biggest festivals held in spring in Japan. I’m sure that you can feel the festivity from seeing and joining this event. Additionally, there are the other two biggest and popular festivals in Fukuoka, which are “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” and “Houzyouya.” For your next trip in Japan, please go a little further to the south to explore Fukuoka. You may feel like visiting there repeatedly. ( IMG_2680 by koemu is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ) People of all ages can take part in the parade, and of course participation is encouraged as everyone dances together at the very end.

JITI 2014 Global Logistics Seminar Infrastructure for Future Competitiveness March 27, 2014 Grand Hyatt Washington 1000 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Global logistics is changing. The shipping industry, which plays an important role in the global movement of goods, for example, has sought more efficient service through bigger ships, re-planning routes, and reshuffling partnerships, like the alliance among megacarriers, as well as other business strategies. The Panama Canal expansion, scheduled for completion in 2015, will accelerate this trend, especially in transpacific routes between Northeast Asia and North America. Considering this change on either side of the Pacific Ocean, the United States and Japan are developing infrastructure to strengthen their competitiveness through facilitating trade and fostering business activities. Under the leadership of President Obama, the U.S. government continues efforts to help modernize U.S. ports and other infrastructure for a more efficient intermodal system. Likewise, the Japanese government has launched a plan to develop “International Strategic Ports” in the Tokyo/Yokohama and Osaka/Kobe areas. These changes are expected to bring about, among other benefits, lower logistics costs, more exports, and prosperity for the national and local economies. However, some disadvantages are also expected. Larger ships may prefer fewer calls at ports, which would result in some ports’ loss of gateway status. Developing ports in neighboring countries may intensify competition with ports in the U.S. and Japan. What form then should the U.S. and Japanese approaches to infrastructure development take to manage the changing global logistics climate? With this question in mind, American and Japanese experts discussed how the transportation network will change in the years to come, infrastructure needs, and the expected effects on transpacific trade. Opening Remarks Makoto Washizu President JITI USA Bio Keynote Speeches Yvette Fields Director, Office of Deepwater Ports and Offshore Activities, U.S. Maritime Administration Bio Tatsuyuki Kose Director, International Logistics Division, Policy Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan Bio Presentation Jeffrey Florin Deputy Executive Director, Operations (COO), Virginia Port Authority Bio Presentation Tsuyoshi Yoshida President and CEO, MOL (America) Inc. Bio Presentation Robyn Boerstling Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Policy, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Bio Presentation Panel Discussion David Matsuda (moderator) Former Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration Bio